college of engineering global engineering certificate

LTU's innovative and visionary Global Engineering Program complements Automation Alley's ongoing efforts to retain and attract a highly skilled workforce that is adequately prepared to meet the challenges of a more competitive world. Oakland County and the leaders of technology-focused companies have worked closely with Lawrence Tech to develop educational opportunities with German universities that provide potential benefits for students pursuing high-tech careers. L. Brooks Patterson, Oakland County Executive

Welcome to Global Engineeringat Lawrence Technological University!

Patricia S. Harrison, Assistant Secretary for Educational and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of State, recently stated, "We are gratified by the continuing increase in the number of U.S. students studying abroad. American students continue to recognize that preparation for success in a global future needs to include overseas study. Overall, the numbers demonstrate quite clearly that students realize that the world of tomorrow will require everyone to be globally aware and conversant."

Likewise, foreign students have realized for some time the importance of international study. According to Allan E. Goodman, President and CEO of the Institute of International Education, "The United States remains the premier destination for foreign students despite a weakened economic situation affecting many countries, student and family concerns about safety and possible delays associated with processing student visas, and an increase in competition for foreign students from other host countries."

Ranked as one of the top career-oriented engineering schools in the U.S., Lawrence Tech's College of Engineering combines academic rigor and excellence with a wealth of practical experience and has expanded its offering to provide students with much needed international experience. Global understanding and hands-on experience with international companies will be key attributes of tomorrow's engineers in an increasingly competitive, global marketplace.

Create innovation -- in the United States and internationally -- through Lawrence Tech's Global Engineering Program.

Global Engineering Certificate (GEC)

The GEC is an undergraduate program for students at Lawrence Tech to work one semester and study one semester abroad. At the same time, international students are invited to work and study at Lawrence Tech.

Students who participate in the Global Engineering program are among a select few. Applicants must meet eligibility requirements of the traditional Lawrence Tech co-op program, and be selected to participate in this international experience. Students must meet specific GPA requirements and demonstrate progress toward completion of the degree requirements. Applicants to the GEC program are interviewed by the coordinator of Global Education and representatives of the international corporations.

Lawrence Tech students who participate in the Global Engineering program abroad live in college housing and alternate one semester of study at a higher education partner school with another semester of work at a global corporation. The student's education is partly subsidized by corporate scholarships, as are some living and travel expenses. Courses taken abroad transfer back to LTU and students are paid for their work.

Lawrence Tech students experience a foreign culture with visits to international historic and cultural sites in their host country. They will also tour international engineering and manufacturing companies.

You don't have to speak a foreign language to participate in this program. All engineering courses at the international partner universities are taught in English. You will be provided with an orientation course in the language and culture of your host country prior to embarking on this program.

Student Benefits of Global Engineering

International work and educational experiences provide many benefits which include:

How important is international study?

Consider the following statistics excerpted from Open Doors 2003, the annual report on international education published by the Institute of International Education (IIE) with funding from the State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Click here for more statistics.

American Students Abroad

The number of U.S. university-level students receiving credit for study abroad in 2001/02 increased 4.4% from the previous year, reaching a record total of 160,920.

Since 1991/92, the number of students studying abroad has more than doubled (from 71,154 to 160,920, an increase of 126%).

In 2001/02, the leading fields of study for Americans abroad were social science (22%), business and management (18%), humanities (14%), fine or applied arts (9%), and foreign languages (9%), followed by physical sciences (8%), education (4%), health sciences (3%), engineering (3%), and math or computer science (2%).

Over 5,900 students from Michigan universities studied abroad.

International Students in the United States

Over the past 20 years, since 1982/83, the number of international students has increased by 74%, bringing the total to 586,323 in 2002/03.

The most popular fields of study for international students in the U.S. are business and management (20%) and engineering (17%). After two years of very large growth, the number of international students studying mathematics and computer sciences has decreased by 6%, although these students still make up 12% of the total.

Michigan ranked #8 with 22,873 students in 2002/03. Engineering, then business and management were the most popular fields of study.

Employer Benefits of Global Engineering

International work and educational experiences provide many benefits which include:

Able to build strong relationships with global contacts in person and through electronic communication

Understand the globalization of technology and how to develop and market it across different countries

The globalization of industry and technology mandates the development of engineers with a strong education in engineering and international understanding. Lawrence Tech's Global Engineering program provides students with rigorous engineering assignments in a global context. Companies will need to be able to innovate globally to compete with new technologies across the globe. Hire or sponsor a Lawrence Tech Global Engineering student to create your global innovation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do we need to be fluent in other languages to work and study overseas?A: The programs that partner with Lawrence Tech provide classes in English. Most people that you will work with speak English, so no, you do not need to be fluent in German, Spanish, or whatever language is native to the area where you will be studying and working.

However, learning a foreign language is a fantastic way to gain a stronger competitive edge, improve your English skills, and learn even more about another culture. The best way to learn a language is to immerse yourself in it, so you may want to take advantage of the opportunity but it is not mandatory.

Q: Is this very expensive?A: No, the costs are quite reasonable and comparable to studying and living at your current university. In addition, there are many scholarship resources to support study abroad. Cost should not be a limiting factor given the many levels of support available.

Depending on how much sight-seeing you want to do, you may incur more costs than otherwise, but this can also be managed economically. Check with the Program Director for the exact figures you can expect. It is really quite affordable.

Q: Will this interefere with my current plan of study or delay my graduation?A: No, prior to embarking on your overseas experience you will meet with your advisor to review your plan of study. The courses available through our partner institutions are reviewed by your advisor who will verify that they count towards your degree requirements. The students who have participated in the Global Engineering experience have been able to carry full loads at the partner institutions that count towards graduation requirements.

Q: How do I get involved?A: It's simple. Set up a meeting with the Program Director and you can be on your way! Contact Us today.

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International Travel Resources

International travel should be rewarding and enjoyable, but it can put you in new environments and situations. The key is to be prepared, plan accordingly, and connect well with other people.

Here you will find various links to travel assistance websites, government information, and so forth. Don't be afraid to call home, Lawrence Tech, or your local university student contacts if you need guidance.

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